Caesars gives $100,000 to O'Malley-led group

Annie Linskey

Caesars Entertainment, the company hoping to win a state license to operate a casino in Baltimore, has contributed $100,000 to a Democratic group led by Gov. Martin O'Malley.

The Democratic Governors Association reported the gift in a quarterly report filed with the IRS. Caesars also gave the association $50,000 last year. Caesar's CEO Gary Loveman has said his firm's donations are not connected with its desire to open a slots parlor in Baltimore.

O'Mallley's spokesman has said the governor keeps association business separate from state decision making. An independent board whose members are appointed by O'Malley, the House speaker and the Senate president will determine whether Caesars can build a casino here.